During our first encounter with this talented artisan cooperative, we were immediately inspired by their weaving philosophy–to represent the beauty of nature. It is a simple concept, but their execution of this idea is full of passion and integrity. Any color that's not native to Michoacan natural landscapes is off-limits. Strata of reds, oranges, and browns are reminiscent of dusty mountains and deep blues of the Pacific Ocean hugging Mexico coastline.
To execute this vision, this small alliance has established an incredibly communal environment where every member is vital to the whole process. In the State of Michoacán sheep are sheared both in March and in October providing two lots of wool a year. The spring shearing provides wool that is dry, but contains autumn seeds and burrs that must be carded out while the fall shearing provides wool that has fewer bits of dried seeds, but more dried mud from the summer rainy season, which must be thoroughly washed out.
Therefore the first steps after shearing the sheep are selecting, washing and carding the wool. Next it is spun either in ivory, natural dark brown (as black as sheep actually are) or in shades of gray made by blending the ivory and natural black. Any of these can be dyed with plant or aniline dyes depending on the color needed and on the season.A woodworker builds the looms, others hand-dye the materials, and the master weavers complete the design. From start-to-finish, they are committed to preserving ancient techniques native to the region. Since working together, we've had the opportunity to expand their production capabilities by partnering with additional workshops in the area. With this expansion, we're able to bring more of this cooperative's beautiful designs.